Guided Boat Tour to Medes Islands & Roca Foradada with Swim

The Costa Brava looks best from the water. This 1.5-hour trip from Medaqua takes you past the Medes Islands, along the cliffs of Montgrí Natural Park, and onward to Roca Foradada, with time for a swim. I like the compact length and the chance to see coves that are hard to reach on foot. I also like the modest $28 price, which makes this an easy add-on to a day in L’Estartit. The main catch is that the guided commentary can be hard to hear, and some departures give you only 10 to 15 minutes in the water.

You will get a scenic boat ride, a skipper, an official guide, and a life jacket. The trip is available in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan, and it is listed as wheelchair accessible. Just keep your expectations in check: this is primarily a coastal cruise with a short swim, not a full marine-life tour or a long snorkeling session.

Key details before you book

• The route reaches Roca Foradada: You travel beyond the Medes Islands to an impressive rock formation marked by cliffs and coastal scenery.

• The swim stop is brief: Recent departures have allowed roughly 10 to 15 minutes in the water, so bring your swimsuit, but do not expect a long beach break.

• The Medes Islands are a protected marine reserve: The waters support fish, marine plants, and fragile underwater habitats, though this boat trip does not guarantee a close look at them.

• Medaqua is the meeting point: You start at Medaqua, then make a short walk of about five minutes before reaching the boat.

• Commentary may be difficult to follow: Boat noise and the lack of a microphone have made it hard for some people to hear the guide.

• The price is low for a short sea outing: At $28 per person, the trip offers a good-value view of the coast if you mainly want scenery and a quick swim.

Starting at Medaqua and getting to the boat

The tour begins at Medaqua, with about a five-minute walk before the boat portion starts. That is simple enough, but you should arrive with time to spare and pay close attention to the meeting instructions. One customer missed the departure after following unclear directions in the booking application, so this is not the place to arrive at the last second.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to Medaqua, which keeps the price down but means the trip works best if you are already staying in or visiting the L’Estartit area.

The operator supplies a skipper, an official guide, and a life jacket. The activity is wheelchair accessible, though the supplied information does not explain the exact boat boarding arrangements. If you need specific assistance, confirm the details with Medaqua before paying.

Sailing through the Medes Islands

The first major part of the outing is the journey toward the Medes Islands. These rocky islands sit in the heart of the Costa Brava’s protected marine reserve, where the sea supports fish, marine plants, and delicate underwater habitats.

From the boat, you get a broad view of the island group and the surrounding coast. The attraction here is not a long stop on land. The itinerary describes a photo stop, a guided visit, walking, hiking, and sailing, but the experience is fundamentally a boat ride with scenic views. You should not expect to wander freely around the islands during this 1.5-hour trip.

The protected status matters because it explains why the area is prized for marine life. You may see colorful fish or plants if conditions are right, particularly during the swim, but this is not a glass-bottom boat excursion. One disappointed customer had expected more underwater viewing and a chance to swim near the islands, only to find the swim took place along the coast instead.

That is an important distinction. If your main goal is to study the marine reserve, choose a longer snorkeling outing or a boat with a glass bottom. If you want to see the islands from the sea and enjoy the setting, this trip makes more sense.

The cliffs and coves of Montgrí Natural Park

After or around the island portion, the boat follows the calm waters near the Montgrí Natural Park. This section is about the coast itself: tall rocky cliffs, folded shoreline, and small coves tucked between the formations.

The cliffs are described as imposing, and that is easy to understand from a boat. From sea level, the rock walls take on a different scale than they do from a road or walking path. You can look back toward the Estartit coast while the boat moves along the shore, giving you a useful sense of how the coves connect.

The hidden coves are one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat instead of a standard town sightseeing walk. You do not need to hike down to each inlet, and you can see sections of shore that are difficult to reach by land. The trade-off is that the view is brief. The boat keeps moving, so have your camera ready and avoid waiting for the perfect angle.

The ride is also weather-dependent in feel, even when it operates as planned. One departure had little sunshine, yet still earned a strong response because the scenery and time on the water carried the experience. On a cloudy day, the sea may look less colorful, but the cliffs can still provide a striking view.

Reaching Roca Foradada

The route continues to Roca Foradada, the rock formation that gives the outing its sense of purpose beyond a simple island transfer. Its name refers to a perforated or pierced rock, and the area is framed by steep cliffs and open sea.

This is a scenic stop rather than a land excursion. You see the formation from the boat, take photographs, and absorb the shape of the coast around it. The description promises information about Roca Foradada, but the amount of explanation may vary. Some people found that the guide did not say much about the rock or the Medes Islands.

That inconsistency is worth considering if you are booking because of the word guided. You may get useful comments about the coastal wildlife and marine environment, but you should not assume a detailed naturalist talk. The boat noise can make things worse, especially without a microphone. Sitting near the guide may improve your chances of hearing the commentary.

The swim stop: pleasant, but short

The swim is the most active part of the trip. The boat stops so you can get into the sea and look at fish and marine plants from the water. Some departures have included masks and snorkels, which adds value if you want a quick look below the surface.

The key word is quick. Several departures allowed about 10 minutes, while others reached 10 to 15 minutes. That is enough for a plunge and a short swim, but it is not enough for a relaxed snorkeling session. You should treat it as a refreshing break during a coastal cruise, not the main event.

There is also some uncertainty about flotation equipment. A life jacket is listed as included, but one parent reported that a child could not swim because a suitable life jacket was not available. If you need a particular size or rely on a flotation aid, confirm what will be carried before departure.

The same practical warning applies to masks, snorkels, and other equipment. Equipment that is broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant. Use anything supplied with care, and ask what is included before taking it into the water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, the short stop may still work, provided the safety equipment fits and the crew gives clear instructions. If you want a serious snorkeling experience, the time limit and uncertainty about the exact swim location make this a poor match.

How strong is the guiding?

The experience is sold as guided, and a guide is included. The guide speaks English, Spanish, French, or Catalan depending on the departure and group needs.

The strongest praise has been for the friendly attitude of the guide. You can expect a pleasant presence on board, and the general mood suits families and casual sightseers. The problem is not usually friendliness. It is the amount and clarity of information.

Some departures have offered only limited facts about the islands, the lighthouse, the plants, or Roca Foradada. On a moving boat, the engine and wind can swallow spoken explanations. Without a microphone, even a good explanation may reach only the people sitting closest to the guide.

I would choose this trip for views first and commentary second. If the history and ecology of the Medes Islands are central to your plans, look for an outing that specifically promises a glass-bottom boat, a marine biologist, or a longer snorkeling stop.

Is $28 good value for 1.5 hours?

At $28 per person, the price is fair if you want a short and simple way to see the Costa Brava from the sea. You receive the boat ride, skipper, guide, and life jacket, while the route includes the Medes Islands, Montgrí’s coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and Roca Foradada.

The value comes from the range of scenery packed into a short outing. You can see the coast from several angles without committing half a day or paying for a larger expedition. The swim adds a useful break, especially on a warm afternoon.

The limitations are just as clear. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel transport. A tapas menu at a nearby restaurant is also excluded. The swim is brief, and the guiding may feel thin for anyone expecting a detailed lesson about the reserve.

For a family looking for a manageable sea trip, $28 is attractive. For a person comparing it with a longer marine excursion, the low price reflects the shorter time and lighter interpretation.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A short boat ride with several coastal viewpoints
• A family-friendly sea outing without a full-day commitment
• A quick swim in the Costa Brava
• Views of the Medes Islands and Roca Foradada from the water
• A reasonably priced activity in or near L’Estartit
• A trip available in several languages

You may want another option if you need:

• A long snorkeling session
• Guaranteed swimming near the Medes Islands
• Detailed information about the lighthouse, wildlife, and geology
• A glass-bottom view of the protected marine reserve
• A fully planned day with food or hotel transport included

The experience suits people who enjoy looking, photographing, and taking a quick swim. It is less suitable for anyone who wants a structured lesson about the marine reserve.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive early at Medaqua and double-check the exact meeting point. The short walk to the boat is easy, but a wrong turn can cost you the whole trip.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone. Food and drinks are not provided, so plan around that. Since the boat ride lasts only 1.5 hours, do not expect a meal service or long shore stop.

If you care about the explanation, sit close to the guide and ask questions when the boat is quiet. The lack of a microphone has made commentary difficult to hear, particularly when the engine is running.

Ask about the swim location and available equipment before boarding. A life jacket is included in the stated package, but the reported shortage for one child shows why it is sensible to confirm the size and availability you need.

Medaqua allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. Those terms help if your Costa Brava plans depend on the weather, though they do not solve a missed departure caused by unclear directions.

Should you book the Medes Islands and Roca Foradada tour?

Book it if you want an affordable coastal cruise with a short swim and attractive views of the Medes Islands, Montgrí cliffs, coves, and Roca Foradada. The compact schedule is its strength, and the friendly guide and family-friendly feel add to the appeal.

Skip it if the word guided makes you expect a detailed marine lecture or if snorkeling is your main goal. For the best experience, think of this as a scenic boat ride with a brief swim, not a full exploration of the protected underwater reserve.

At $28, I think it is a sensible choice for a relaxed introduction to the coast. Just arrive early, confirm the equipment, and keep the swim and commentary expectations modest.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour begin?

The tour begins at Medaqua. The route information also allows about five minutes on foot before reaching the boat.

How long does the experience last?

The boat experience lasts 1.5 hours, including the coastal route and swim stop.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes the Medes Islands, the Montgrí Natural Park coastline, hidden coves, and Roca Foradada.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The activity includes a stop for swimming.

How long is the swim stop?

The stated activity does not give a fixed length, but recent departures have provided about 10 to 15 minutes in the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Some departures have provided masks and snorkels, but the supplied details do not guarantee this for every departure. Confirm the equipment with Medaqua before going.

Is a life jacket included?

A life jacket is listed as included. However, one reported departure did not have a suitable jacket for a child, so confirm the available sizes if you need one.

Which languages are available?

The live guide is available in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.